NOTE: New Concentration for Infants. In accordance with FDA recommendations, acetaminophen manufacturers have changed the concentration of infant acetaminophen from 80mg/0.8ml to 160mg/5ml. Be aware that there may be both the old and new concentrations of infants’ acetaminophen products available in stores and in medicine cabinets. The pediatric acetaminophen products currently on the market can continue to be used as labeled. Be sure to check the label or contact our office should you have questions

CAUTION: We recommend that you use the dropper or dosage cup that comes with your medicine to avoid overdosage. Dosage recommendations on bottles may vary from the recommendation on these pages. We would like you to use our recommended dosages unless your health care provider has given you a different (usually higher!) dosage. Aspirin should not be given to your child.

IMPORTANT! PLEASE READ: The FDA acknowledges that the ingredients in these cough and cold products have not been tested by today’s standards to identify their levels of efficacy and safety. While further studies are pending, the manufacturers are voluntarily relabeling their recommended use of these products to “Do Not Use” in children less than 4 years of age. Given the need for further research, the dosages listed below are the current recommendations of our practice.

IMPORTANT! PLEASE READ: The FDA acknowledges that the ingredients in these cough and cold products have not been tested by today’s standards to identify their levels of efficacy and safety. While further studies are pending, the manufacturers are voluntarily relabeling their recommended use of these products to “Do Not Use” in children less than 4 years of age. Given the need for further research, the dosages listed below are the current recommendations of our practice.

Indications: Treatment of fever and pain.

• Age Limit: Don’t use under 6 months of age. Reason: not FDA approved. Exception: Your child’s doctor has instructed you to use.
• Dosage: Determine by finding child’s weight in the top row of the dosage table.
• Measuring the Dosage: Use a special measuring or dosing device. If possible, use the syringe or dropper that comes with the medicine. If not, medicine syringes are available at pharmacies. If you use a teaspoon, it must be a measuring spoon. Regular household spoons are not accurate. Also remember that 1 level teaspoon equals 5 mL and that 1/2 teaspoon equals 2.5 mL.
• Brand Names: Motrin, Advil, generic or store-brand ibuprofen.
• Caution: Do not alternate acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen products. Reason: No benefit over using 1 med alone and a risk of overdose. Exception: Your child’s doctor has instructed you to do this.
• Frequency: Repeat every 6-8 hours as needed.
• Adult Dosage: 400 mg.
• Ibuprofen Drops: Ibuprofen infant drops come with a measuring syringe.
• Concentration: Dosage charts are for U.S. products only. Concentrations may vary with international pharmaceuticals. Always double check the concentration if product brought from outside the U.S.
• Calculating Dosage: 3-5 mg/lb (5-10 mg/kg). Do not recommend dosages above the OTC adult dosage listed above, unless directed by the protocol or recommended by the patient’s PCP.

Indications: Treatment of fever and pain.

• Age Limit: Don’t use under 12 weeks of age. Reason: Fever during the first 12 weeks of life needs to be documented in a medical setting. If present, your infant needs a complete evaluation. Exception: Fever from immunization if infant is 8 weeks of age or older.
• Dosage: determine by finding child’s weight in the top row of the dosage table.
• Measuring the dosage: Use a special measuring or dosing device. If possible, use the syringe or dropper that comes with the medicine. If not, medicine syringes are available at pharmacies. If you use a teaspoon, it must be a measuring spoon. Regular household spoons are not accurate. Also, remember that 1 level teaspoon equals 5 mL and that 1/2 teaspoon equals 2.5 mL.
• Brand Names: Tylenol, Feverall (suppositories), generic or store-brand acetaminophen.
• Caution: Acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be found in many prescription and over-the counter medicines. Read the labels to be sure your child is not getting it from 2 products. If you have questions, call your child’s doctor.
• Caution: Do not alternate acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen products. Reason: No benefit over using 1 med alone and a risk of overdose. Exception: Your child’s doctor has instructed you to do this.
• Frequency: Repeat every 4-6 hours as needed. Caution: Don’t give more than 5 times a day. Reason: danger of liver damage.
• Meltaways: Dissolvable tabs that come in 80 mg and 160 mg (jr. strength).
• Suppositories: Acetaminophen also comes in 80, 120, 325 and 650 mg suppositories. The rectal dose is the same as the dosage given byy mouth. Suppositories may only be available at local drugstore pharmacies (not grocery store pharmacies). Have the caller phone their local drugstore first to confirm availability of Feverall or generic suppositories.
• Avoid Extended-Release: Avoid 650 mg oral products in children. Reason: They are given every 8 hours.
• Concentration: Dosage charts are for U.S. products only. Concentrations may vary with international pharmaceuticals. Always double check the concentration if product bought from outside the U.S.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: If you have questions about any of this information consult your child’s physician.
DNU = Do Not Use
DNU* = Do Not Use unless prescribed by your child’s physician.